Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness housing assistance | London

A strong focus of the services provided by the Kingston Churches and the Action on Homelessness program is on resettlement and preventing evictions. The charity organisation partners with both not-profit programs and government agencies across London to help the needy. They also work with many other churches in the borough. The demand for their services are very high, so applicants need to meet all eligibility conditions and meet programme terms.

HCIS, or the Housing Crisis Intervention Service, has a few main components to it, as noted below. New clients need to go to a drop in session in order to apply. Kingston Churches will not take application over the phone due to limited resources. The drop is sessions are open most days from 10 to 1. However, even that may be shut down if the queue is too long.

• Advice is provided for the homeless and people that are behind on their rent. Learn about deposit schemes, shelters, and support services.
• Hostel Placement Service is for sofa sleepers and the homeless.
• Information on Welfare and Housing Benefits are available. Social workers from the charity provide information on various national and local council financial assistance programmes.

Much of the housing assistance is focused on homeless that are seeking accommodation. However others can access services and guidance from Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness. They offer free information on how to get financial aid, apply for schemes for a security deposit, provide advocacy to tenants and the homeless, and ongoing support.

The Housing Crisis Intervention Service will direct clients to benefits, cash grants, or even bonds that can be used to pay rent in advance or other costs. While this aid is limited in London, it is available. Or work with case managers on locating affordable accommodation in the private rented sector. There may be flats that are available for short term use.

Temporary Housing is known as the Access Project. This also tends to focus on single homeless people in the greater London area. It is only for those that are able to soon live independently and that are not faced with any substance abuse issues or other concerns.

The programme will use shared housing or flats for the lodging. Men or women will have their own bedroom, but share other facilities such as the kitchen. Kingston Churches arranges this.

Advice is also given to people in the Access Project. They can learn how to claim the housing benefit to pay their rent, or get help in other matters. Staff can address debt issues, show clients how to budget properly, or assist with employment matters. They also refer clients to other church schemes in their borough. The goal is to help the client locate and pay the rent on long term accommodation of their own as well as gain economic well-being. Find a listing of church assistance programmes.

Other outreach is available as well to tenants. The charity will help people or families to maximise their income by assisting them with their benefits and social services. There is also advice on setting up bank accounts and to save money towards moving on. Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness will link individuals in with medical professionals, mental health specialists, and/or counsellors where appropriate.

Additional shelters are available on cold London Winter Nights or other periods throughout the year. They can be located at different sites, such as St Peter’s Church in Norbiton. It provides lodging and therefore time for people to transition towards a permanent accommodation.

Many churches in the city open their doors to the homeless and less fortunate. There is lodging for be rough sleepers and others. In some cases, there are may be mobile shelters set up around town. Guests get a free meal, bed to sleep in, clothing, and other help. Other items at the KCAH shelter may include quality sleeping bags, personal hygiene items such as tooth brushes, access to showers, and other support.

The Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness is located at 36a Fife Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 1SU, Telephone: 020 8255 7400. As noted, some programs are not available over the phone.